Ok, we humans know we're supposed to brush and floss at least twice a day, go to the dentist, and basically just maintain our oral health. So why don't most of us do this for our dogs?! The simple answer is, we may just not think about it. When pressed, we might say, "Well, dogs in the wild didn't get their teeth brushed." This is true -- but dogs in the wild also ate a diet that was natural for them and that thus kept their teeth naturally cleaner (no sugar, processed stuff, carbs, etc). And they didn't have the life expectancy we want our dogs to have.

So... got you thinking about it? Good. Here's the truth: keeping your dog's teeth clean can extend her life by 3 - 5 years! This is because the bacteria that collect in your dog's teeth, gums, and other oral tissue also work their way into her bloodstream and tax her kidneys and heart! No joke! Dr Jan Bellows, DVM, explains: "The toxins from periodontal disease are absorbed into the dog's blood stream. As the kidneys, liver, and brain filter the blood, small infections occur causing permanent and at times fatal organ damage. " These bacteria can take up residence in all sorts of tissue, too, from heart to brain to liver. Once they're in there, a lot of the damage is already done.

That's why we're always harping on PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE, y'all. Keep that nasty stuff out of your sweet pup and you and she will enjoy many more years of good health. Start when your pup is young. If that ship has sailed, don't despair: get your dog's teeth cleaned and examined by your vet, and then keep the doc away by bringing her in for regular teeth cleaning, or learn to do it yourself! Put additives in her water (we've got 'em in our salons), give her dental chews, and make sure her diet supports oral health. It's that simple -- and so worth it!

Has your dog been itchin’ and scratchin’ a whole lot lately? It could be allergies! They can develop in dogs at any age just like humans. Here are some common symptoms, causes and most importantly ways to make it better! Since they can’t tell us what’s going on we need to be the detectives!

Hooray for you and your future family member! Shelter dogs can make the absolute best pets and with the right preparation can be a smooth transition into your family. We’ve put together some pointers to help you rescue a dog and add tons of love to your life.

Since our canine companions have a furry coat we rarely think about sun damage. But, dogs can develop lumps and bumps just like us, so it's important to get familiar with the landscape of their skin in case something sketchy pops up. It's always best if you can catch it early.